Cribb Street Library – The Old Pantry

Historic Sadliers Crossing in central Ipswich is full of people passionate about old houses and preserving the past to enjoy today. Two Cribb Street friends, Sarah and Laura, discovered their mutual idea of starting up a local street library. Sarah had an original kitchen pantry from her old Queenslander languishing in a storeroom. Laura, who also lives in an historic house, had a strong vision to only gently restore and fit the pantry with a salvaged window hood to keep the rain out. Another very early Ipswich house on Denmark Hill, happened to have one for sale. Luckily, this fit perfectly and the difficult problem of weather proofing was solved. To keep the charm of an early 20th century pantry, perspex was sourced that looked like old glasss. Sarah and Laura hope they have created a cabinet of curiosity, evoking a fortune teller at a carnival or a seaside Punch and Judy show. Perhaps you will remember your Grandmother’s kitchen and her tasty recipes? The Roderick Street C&K kindergarten and playgroup at the top of the street, opposite Blair State School, kindly offered to host the library ensuring that Cribb Street Library will be used by all ages, new and old. Pick up your children and your next read. Stroll by on a quiet Sunday and relax with a book and a bench in Reals Park. Enjoy!